Lightning may open camp Sunday

BRANDON -- Details are still being worked on, but the timeline of events suggests the Tampa Bay Lightning will open training camp at The Forum on Sunday and start the regular season on Jan. 19.

Nothing will be announced until the new collective bargaining agreement is officially ratified.

The league unanimously voted for the new deal on Wednesday while NHL Players' Association members are expected to finish voting electronically by Saturday. At that time, the league is expected to release the full 48-game schedule, with the Lightning likely to open at home on Jan. 19 against the Washington Capitals, a game that was on the original 82-game schedule.

The team's goal is to make single-game tickets available to the general public starting Monday morning, with a presale on Sunday for season ticket holders and all others at an event at The Forum, according to spokesman Bill Wickett.

While the first day of camp is normally for physicals and fitness testing, the Lightning are expected to hit the ice for their first official practice, followed by an autograph session with the players.

After a Monday practice at The Forum, the team is expected to travel south to Estero and hold camp on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Germain Arena that will be open to the public before returning to Tampa for a public practice next Friday that will include free lunch to all fans in attendance.